When I swam in HS 27yrs ago, girls my age were swimming 100yd free in just under 59.0. Now I look at HS times and I'm blown away on how fast they are swimming and at younger ages.
What has changed?
Parents
Former Member
I think kids today start earlier with year round programs, swim more/harder, and have better coaching. Their technique is better. They have also benefited from rules changes in some events like back/***.
But watching my two teenage boys swim - I'd say the single biggest thing is that they got "serious" earlier than me. My 16 yr. old is about my height (5'8) but weighs 20 lbs more than I did when I was 18 and just as lean. He is far stronger than I was and his technique is similarly better.
I think kids today start earlier with year round programs, swim more/harder, and have better coaching. Their technique is better. They have also benefited from rules changes in some events like back/***.
But watching my two teenage boys swim - I'd say the single biggest thing is that they got "serious" earlier than me. My 16 yr. old is about my height (5'8) but weighs 20 lbs more than I did when I was 18 and just as lean. He is far stronger than I was and his technique is similarly better.
